23.07.2022, 10:00 A.M.
In mid-summer we are venturing to Cahir, Co. Tipperary to visit two heritage properties in the care of the Office of Public Works (OPW), who are providing access especially for the Young Irish Georgians. Our group will have an afternoon picnic after both visits.
The Swiss Cottage, just outside the heritage town of Cahir, is a cottage orné – a fanciful realisation of an idealised countryside cottage used for picnics, small soirees and fishing and hunting parties and was also a peaceful retreat for those who lived in the nearby big house. It was commisioned in the early 1800s by Richard Butler, 1st Earl of Glengall. The IGS was instrumental in saving the Swiss Cottage being one of the party that bought it in 1985 for £35,000 (IGS contributed £10k) - see reference in Great Irish Houses and Castles (1992) by Desmond Guinness.
Cahir Castle is one of Ireland’s largest and best-preserved castles. It stands proudly on a rocky island on the River Suir. The castle was was built in the thirteenth century and served as the stronghold of the powerful Butler family. So effective was its design that it was believed to be impregnable, but it finally fell to the earl of Essex in 1599 when heavy artillery was used against it for the first time.
Meeting Point/Time: Cahir Castle @10:00AM
***Please note: As public transport will only take you to Tipperary town, if you need to carpool or can offer lifts, contact youngirishgeorgians@igs.ie to query if there are any spots available, or if you can offer space in your vehicle.***
All monies raised will go toward supporting our 2022 Heritage Project.